For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice. ~ t s eliot
A Star Word arrived in my mailbox shortly after 2021 began. It is a simple wooden star with a handwritten word printed on it. It was sent to me by a friend who is a pastor near Seattle, WA. She shared this relatively new spiritual practice with her congregation and I asked her to send me a word. I had never encountered it and wanted to learn more about how and why.
The premise of Epiphany Star Words is this: The wisemen who traveled many miles to offer their gifts to the newborn Christ-child were responding to the gift first given them. They received God’s gift, then offered their gifts to God for the good of themselves and their neighbor. We are also seeking Jesus, trusting God can/does use many signs (or stars) to guide us closer to God’s presence. We are a people good at being busy and “doing”. The practice of receiving a Star Word invites us to “be still” and know that God is with us as emphasized in Psalm 46:10. We are also called to “ponder these words in our hearts” as Mary did in the story of our Lord’s birth in Luke 2: 19.
My Star Word for 2021 is “Astonish.” It is a verb meaning to surprise or impress (someone) greatly; to fill with sudden and overpowering wonder; to amaze. Synonyms include: astound, stupefy, confound, boggle, bewilder, flabbergast, and shock.
I have looked at this word nearly every day through this last year as it hangs from the lamp the desk where my computer sits. I have wondered what gift God was giving me. I wondered when I received this random word if I was to do something astonishing. Was I to witness something astonishing? Be astonishing to someone else? Was something surprising to happen in my life? How can a simple word shape a year? I find that it has in many and various ways.
I became a nurse this year. I learned how to transfer my daughter, Cori, as she recovers from a femoral osteotomy. Words like “gait belt” and “abduction pillow” entered my vocabulary. I learned how to measure to get the correct wheelchair ordered. I am astonished at the work and dedication required by nurses and caregivers who do this everyday and not just for a season.
I became a teacher. Zachary and I took a digital trip around the world and learned about canals and straights. How does one travel from port to port through oceans and seas? We cooked foods from Hong Kong, Turkey, and England. My son has learned what he already knew: like me, written and spoken language is easier than numerators and denominators. I am astonished at the commitment of our educators. What a challenge to get third and fourth graders interested in poetry and storytelling and all the rest!
I planted flowers and they actually bloomed! I harvested cherry tomatoes, swiss chard, and zucchini during a dry year. In the past I have been great at growing weeds. I watered and tended my little garden. I am astonished by my neighbors who grow our food so faithfully!
You also astonish me! Your dedication and care of the congregations of this parish blesses this community and the world. You have gathered to support one another in times of celebration and joy. You have gathered to grieve and comfort in times of loss. You are the hands and feet of God in this place. Your work and witness are daily reminders that the church is very much alive in this place.
I know I could ponder more ways that my Star Word has been both gift and blessing. I look forward to getting a new word in 2022. You have an opportunity to receive a Star Word as well. During our observation of Epiphany on Sunday, January 2 you will receive a similar wooden star with your word for the New Year printed on it. Like any gift it can be received with joy or forgotten. Will it be stuffed into a corner or lost in the bottom of a bag never to be considered again? Or will the word be pondered as opportunity—a chance to reflect on how God speaks to you? What might we learn from one word? What new ideas might evolve? What wisdom gained?
Epiphany is the celebration of God shining as light breaking into darkened corners of our world. We rejoice and worship our generous, giving God—one star gift at a time!
I hold you and yours in God’s love and mercy. Peace be with you.
Pastor Kristin
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